[3] She was inspired by the works of Filipino American writer Carlos Bulosan, and her hope to make a film about him encouraged her to pursue a career in filmmaking.
[1] While walking in Little Tokyo one day in 1977, Mabalot met Duane Kubo and Eddie Wong, two of the founding members of Visual Communications.
[1] She produced, directed, and contributed to many projects focusing on Asian American experiences, including Manong (1977), Planting Roots: A Pictorial History of Filipinos in California (1981), and Hiroshima 20 Years Later (1996).
She helped filmmakers including Taiwanese American director Justin Lin, who is known for directing Better Luck Tomorrow (2002) and a number of the Fast and Furious franchise films.
Mabalot allowed Lin to use the Visual Communications' offices for a film on the Asian American model minority myth, and she supported him in the earlier days of his media career.
What she brought was unconditional support.”[1] Mabalot's philosophy influenced the overall mission of Visual Communications as the organization shifted from producing its own material to additionally sponsoring and advocating for other Asian Pacific American filmmakers.